The Pearl’s Summer Preview of Music Under the Stars
Get ready to celebrate summer with a dazzling lineup of outdoor concerts! The Hollywood Bowl just announced the 2025 Season with eclectic offerings to please every music fan. For an experience that’s literally music under the stars, Mount Wilson Observatory launched its Sunday Afternoon Concerts in the Dome series. Other starlight serenades include Jazz at LACMA, OFF THE 405 at The Getty, KCRW Summer Nights, and Pasadena Symphony & POPS at LA Arboretum, many not far from The Pearl. Check websites for schedules and ticket sales.
Hollywood Bowl 2301 N Highland Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90068
June 7 Mark your calendar for Opening Night at The Bowl, An Evening with Hugh Jackman. The Bowl’s Summer Season is jam-packed with all your favorite performances, including Summer Nights with the LA Phil, KCRW Festival, Blue Note Jazz Festival, July Fourth Fireworks Spectacular with Earth, Wind & Fire, Maestro of the Movies: Celebrating the Music of John Williams, and the ever-popular Tchaikovsky Spectacular with Fireworks.
The Ford 2580 Cahuenga Blvd E. Los Angeles, CA 90068
LA Phil just announced The Ford’s 2025 calendar. For sheer beauty and intimacy, it’s hard to beat The Ford for summer entertainment under the stars. Nestled in the Hollywood Hills, the open-air amphitheater is relatively intimate at just under 1,200 seats; no patron is more than 96 feet away from the stage. Purchase your meal from the new Bodega at The Ford or local curated offerings in the Grab & Go Market. You can also bring your own food and drinks and grab a table on the Zev Terrace, the entryway gardens, or enjoy your meal in your seat.
Mount Wilson Observatory 100 Mt Wilson Circle Road, Mt Wilson, CA 91023
Mount Wilson Observatory is launching its 2025 season of Sunday Afternoon Concerts in the Dome. Artistic Director Cécilia Tsan curates thoughtful musical adventures under the magnificent vaulted dome of the 100-inch telescope, featuring an eclectic program of jazz, classical, mariachi, and more. The 100-inch telescope is the instrument with which astronomer Edwin Hubble discovered our place in an expanding universe, and so expanded our comprehension. The dome for the telescope is a 20th century temple to science, whose acoustics rival the great cathedrals of Europe.
Jazz at LACMA 5905 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036
Celebrate L.A.’s finest jazz musicians with Jazz at LACMA. Enjoy evenings of live music, picnicking, and community on the LACMA grounds. The free concerts are presented Friday evenings from May through October. Jazz at LACMA has featured such legends as Wayne Shorter, The Yellowjackets, Quincy Jones All Star Orchestra with John Clayton, Arturo Sandoval, Jeff Lorber, and many more.
OFF THE 405 Getty Center 1200 Getty Center Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90049
OFF THE 405 is the Getty Center’s annual free outdoor summer concert series, where you’re invited to enjoy great music, see exhibitions, and experience the Getty Center. Since 2009, The Getty has welcomed bands like Woods, Chicano Batman, and Thundercat to celebrate the season under the setting Los Angeles sun. This year, there will be five concerts over five weekends from May until end of August. Although outside alcohol isn’t allowed, you can bring your own food and drink. You’ll also find wine, beer, and other food and drinks available for purchase in the Museum Courtyard.
The Greek Theatre 2700 N Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90027
Located within Griffith Park, the historic Greek Theatre stands as one of the nation’s most beloved and recognized outdoor entertainment venues. You can also indulge in a vibrant culinary experience at The Greek, featuring a variety of dining options to satisfy even the most selective of palates. Choices include the North & South Concession Stands and the popular Mango Cart Beer Garden. With a relaxed atmosphere and lively ambiance, you’ll find the perfect spot to enjoy a bite before or during the show.
KCRW Summer Nights Various locations
Get ready for another unforgettable summer with KCRW Summer Nights! Join your favorite radio station for a season of free, all-ages, outdoor parties with iconic cultural partners across Southern California. You’ll find something for everyone — DJs, live bands, special exhibitions, food and libations, and tons of free fun. It’s the ultimate way to find music you love, discover something new, and connect with your community.
Descanso Gardens 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
Live outdoor performances and music add extra magic to the idyllic ambiance at Descanso Gardens. Experience a synergy of culture and nature with their acclaimed Summer Music and Dance series. Performances are included in the price of membership or admission. Food and drinks are available for sale at two concession locations in the Courtyard: The Market and Jones Coffee at Descanso. Outside food and beverages, except for water bottles, are not allowed in the Gardens.
Pasadena Symphony & POPS LA Arboretum 301 N Baldwin Ave. Arcadia, CA 91007
Pasadena Symphony & POPS has announced their 2025 Rusnak Summer Pops Series at Los Angeles County Arboretum. The six-concert series runs from June 21 to September 6 with a stellar line-up of guest artists celebrating the American Songbook, plus Principal Pops Conductor Michael Feinstein in concert. Gates open at 5:30PM for picnicking. Concerts begin at 7:30PM.
Grand Performances California Plaza 300 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90071
Grand Performances returns to DTLA for its 39th season of summer concerts at Historic California Plaza in downtown Los Angeles. Hailed as the “Best Free Outdoor Summer Concert Series” by Los Angeles Magazine, Grand Performances is the longest running presenter of free outdoor concerts, poetry, theater, and dance in downtown LA, with the mission to inspire community, celebrate diversity, and unite Los Angeles through free access to global performing arts.
Photo Credits:
Photo #1: Hollywood Bowl
Photo #2: Hollywood Bowl
Photo #3: The Ford
Photo #4: Mount Wilson Observatory
Photo #5: LACMA
Photo #6: Getty Museum
Photo #7: The Greek Theatre
Photo #8: KCRW
Photo #9: Descanso Gardens
Photo #10: Pasadena Symphony and POPS
Photo #11: Grand Performances